16/10/24 Bluetongue restrictions, champagne producers in Kent, organic milk

Farming Today

Bluetongue disease continues to affect livestock across England, and into Wales. The virus, which can be fatal to sheep, is transmitted by biting midges, which breed in warm temperatures. Over the last few weeks, DEFRA has increased the areas where animal movements are restricted. We speak to a breeder in Suffolk whose pedigree flock is under lockdown because of the restrictions. He's been unable to sell his rams at market and has criticised the government for not tackling the disease sooner. He feels he should be compensated. Defra says it's taking prompt action to mitigate the spread of the disease.

All week we're discussing wine, and in England, sparkling white wine has been going from strength to strength. That's attracted interest and investment from one of the world’s best known Champagne houses. Taittinger has opened a vineyard near Canterbury in Kent and will soon be bottling its first wine from there.

Listeners have told us they can't get hold of semi skimmed organic milk in the supermarket. We speak to a dairy consultant to find out why.

Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney